Most reports comprise one or more data tables, and as such charting has typically been via large charts above or below the numbers, or on separate sheets. Visualisation luminaries such as Edward Tufte and Stephen Few are advocates of larger numbers of smaller, more tightly focused charts to convey information.

MicroCharts, implemented though fonts, and controlled via formulae lend themselves perfectly to this approach, and can readily be used to extend existing report packs.

In this case an original data-only Excel table has been enhanced to graphically depict trend and target on a row basis. Significantly more data is being conveyed, and it can be assimilated much more quickly. The revenue plummet in early 05, and strongly over target YTD profit are apparent.

Each MicroChart resides within an Excel cell, and as they are implemented through fonts, the user has a great degree of control over their sizing, alignment and positioning. MicroCharts can be picked up quickly by existing excel users, and used to extend existing reports or as part of custom built dashboards. The in-cell charts provided include Sparklines, Bullet Graphs, MicroColumns, MicroBars, and KPI icons. Each chart type contains rich formatting options, accessible through the intuitive user interface, and an improved colour palette.

Used in addition to Excel’s native charting engine, MicroCharts can turn Excel into a truly world class dashboard development environment.

MicroCharts is available to download for a 30 day trial period from here.

To avoid the pitfalls of Excel Spreadmarts, MicroCharts can be used in conjunction with XLCubed Excel edition to connect the charts directly to the underlying server based data. Reports created in this way can be made dynamically available to a wider, browser based audience with XLCubed Web Edition .